Minnesota Vikings v Dallas Cowboys

With an 8-0 record at the Metrodome, the Vikings look good value against a Cowboys team who face their toughest test for some time later today…

Recommendation: Minnesota to win @ 1.78 with Betfair

Fresh from four straight wins and a first play-off victory in 13 years, the Dallas Cowboys are on a roll. Dallas have outscored the opposition 99-31 during its four-game winning streak, with 12 touchdowns in that span scored by three running backs and five receivers, but a visit to the Vikings on Sunday will be their toughest test for a while.

Earning the NFC’s second seed and securing home field advantage for this round may benefit Minnesota greatly. The Vikings are 8-0 at the Metrodome this season, with the last five of those wins coming by 17 points or more. They’ve also won three straight home meetings with Dallas – including a 27-10 playoff victory Jan. 9, 2000 – since a 23-17 defeat Sept. 17, 1995.

Of course the story that has run through the entire Vikings season has been that of Brett Favre – many thought he wouldn’t get this far but he has and that week off could prove a godsend to the 40-year-old quarterback. The veteran led the Vikings to a 10-1 start before a late stumble brought back memories of Favre’s downfall with the Jets last year, but he managed to finish the year strongly as his team finished with a 12-4 record. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal in the explosive Vikings offence which has that important key – balance.

Talking of balance, that to us is the key to this game the Cowboys are going to have to establish the run against a very good run defence in order to be able to go vertically deep down the field. If they don’t establish the run then Romo is going to be forced into making plays and that has got him into trouble before as he does have a habit of forcing a pass and the Cowboys receiving corps are no match for those in purple.

The Cowboys appear to be the chic Superbowl pick at the moment but this is a pretty good Minnesota side that come into the game rested, and ready to play – we just wonder if the Cowboys are starting to believe the hype – if they are they could have a rude awakening in the Metrodome.